Project to examine benefits of cover crops

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Conservation Technology
Information Center figured prominently in the recent announcement of
Conservation Innovation Grant awards from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
Natural Resources Conservation Service.

CTIC received $482,000 to examine the economic, agronomic
and environmental benefits of cover crops, looking at the contributions of cover
crop practices to pollinator habitat, nutrient cycling, improvements in soil
health and other aspects. The not-for-profit organization and its partners will
work with experienced and novice cover crop users in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,
Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and South Dakota.

The upcoming project was recognized by Secretary of
Agriculture Tom Vilsack when he pointed to CTIC’s project as an example of the
“power of the CIG program.”

“This award will basically fund roughly a thousand acres
that will help us hopefully dispel some of the myths that may be in the
countryside that have discouraged producers from focusing on cover crop
production,” he said.

Vilsack noted that innovation is key to success in
conservation agriculture and pointed to cover crops, which are crops such as
grasses, legumes, brassicas and small grains planted between cash crop seasons
for multiple conservation purposes, as a way to innovate in agriculture for soil
health and water quality.

“Cover crops are an important tool for us to retain precious
water resources to replenish and nourish the soil,” he said. “Hopefully, over
time, they will create new market opportunities for landowners, farmers,
ranchers and producers.”

To examine the opportunities for cover crops, CTIC and
partners will:

* Plant at least 1,000 acres of cover crops on farms that have not
previously held cover crops;

* Conduct a cost analysis of cover crops in both new and established systems
and in different regions of the country;

* Analyze case studies for each state involved;

* Learn how producer experience plays a role in cover crop successes and
challenges;

* Estimate the amount of nitrogen secured by cover crops for the following
crop;

* Document the pollinators found in project fields; and

* Talk with producers about their choices and decision-making
processes.

Results and insights from the project will be shared through
an annual workshop, detailed articles in farm magazines that reach more than
350,000 producers in the Midwest and printed and online resources, including
fact sheets and a booklet outlining the best practices used in cover crop
operations.

Karen Scanlon, CTIC executive director, said the project was
timely with growing interest in cover crops.

“Cover crops are in the spotlight, and there may be
questions on using them effectively for maximum benefit to the producer and
farm,” she said. “This project will provide greater insight into the challenges
and benefits of cover crops. CTIC and partners hope to help many producers
across the Midwest discover cover crop usefulness, such as protecting the soil,
improving water quality and more.”

Partners in the project are Corn & Soybean
Digestand the National Corn Growers Association.